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We’ve come a long way from the 17th-century hearing trumpet. Here’s all you need to know about today’s hearing aids.

Sound enriches our experiences, nurtures communication with people in our lives, and helps us navigate our world. Thanks to our sense of hearing, we can understand the tender whispers of a loved one and enjoy the refrain of our favorite song. The tinkle of a bicycle bell alerts us to a cyclist whizzing past us on the sidewalk. On a lazy summer day at the beach, we can close our eyes and let the rhythm of the ocean’s waves lull us to sleep.

For those suffering from hearing loss, their world can become smaller, more isolated, and confusing. Fortunately, many innovations in the medical sector help those with physical impairments. 

Hearing aids can help users improve their hearing and communication experience--enhancing their quality of life and giving them more freedom and autonomy.

In this article, we put the spotlight on hearing aids. Find out how hearing aids work and the latest technological advancements being used to improve them. You’ll also learn how to best protect your hearing.

How do hearing aids work?

All hearing aids have four basic components: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery. The microphone picks up sound and converts it into electric impulses. These electric impulses are sent to the amplifier, which increases the power of these signals and passes them through the receiver to your ear. 

Modern hearing aids contain a computer chip that a hearing care professional programs to fit the user’s needs and different environments.

Here’s a video on how hearing aids work. 

Basic types of hearing aids

Hearing aids can be worn in the ear (ITE) or behind the ear (BTE).

Innovations in hearing aid technology

We’ve come a long way since the 17th-century hearing trumpet, with cutting-edge technologies in hearing aids helping users hear more clearly. Here are some of them.

Taking care of your hearing

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “noise-induced hearing loss is painless and usually happens over time.”

Here are some preventive measures you can take to protect your hearing, as enumerated by Signia:

• Wear earplugs. If you enjoy loud events such as concerts and sports games, protect your ears with earplugs. The same goes for loud hobbies or noisy work conditions, like those that involve power tools or loud instruments.
• Give your ears a break. Certain hours of your day can get noisy. Make time for some quiet to let your ears rest.
• Turn down the volume. Whether you’re listening to music or watching your favorite shows, turn down the volume. You should also limit your time using earbuds or headphones.
• Get your hearing tested often. You should visit an audiologist every few years for a hearing test. 

Since 2018, IMI has been involved in the assembly, repair, and refurbishment of hearing aids manufactured by some of the world’s top brands. These devices help users communicate more easily with family and friends. They let them hear sounds that bring joy, deepen their knowledge, and help them accomplish tasks. Now, that’s music to our ears.

As one of the Top 21 EMS companies in the world, IMI has over 40 years of experience in providing electronics manufacturing and technology solutions. 

We are ready to support your business on a global scale.

Our proven technical expertise, worldwide reach, and vast experience in high-growth and emerging markets make us the ideal global manufacturing solutions partner. 

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